André3000 Is The Moment.
New Blue Sun: Because André Three Stacks Is Back
If the ‘flute’ album is not on your radar, I’m throwing a bit of shade in your direction. Maybe you’re new to the legend. Maybe you live under a rock with no access to wifi. If that’s the case, I apologize. Anyway… André Lauren Benjamin. Rapper, singer, musician, songwriter, record producer, and actor. A member of the Dungeon Family. Superstar. AT-alien. 1/2 of one of the greatest rap duos in history… Outkast. André Three Staks. Beautiful Black Renaissance Man.
André Lauren Benjamin courtesy chiachong.com
As a longtime fan, I was immediately intrigued by news of his new album and choice of instrument. A flute. The mere idea of disliking the project never crossed my mind, until I tapped into social media. The more negative posts I saw, the more I realized that André needed my support. People are so mean and these longtime fans…well… sometimes they suck. Musicians evolve…especially those that are true Creatives. If a genius such as André returns after a 17-year hiatus with a new body of work, albeit no bars, we owe it to him to tap in. We owe it to ourselves to tap in. This is the man that gave us southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, HEY YA, and countless features like Hello. Hello! I think it’s only right that we take a moment. Innit? Seriously though. I don’t know about you all, but, I’ve been locked in. He and Ms. Badu kicked off my FUNDAMENTALS playlist. Get into it.
New Blue Sun: A Tool for Good Mental Health & Mindfulness
My experience with New Blue Sun has been fulfilling to my mental health. After listening to the album on the Sunday afternoon after the release twice, I realized that I felt refreshed and calm. First, I cleaned my place with it playing in the background and later fell asleep to it that afternoon. Yes… ‘New Blue Naps’ are refreshing. I realized quickly that I needed this feeling to become a daily feeling. I created a daily routine on my Alexa app titled ‘Morning Meditation’ set for sunrise. Every morning that I am with my Alexa device, I handle the day starting from a beautiful place of peace with the ‘New Blue Sun’. I’ve concluded that ‘New Blue Sun’ is an offering from the musical genius that immediately boosts your mental health. In a conversation with my good friend Chris Rob, a musical genius in his own right, we realized that we shared similar sentiments. The project is unique, inspiring, and helpful. When the New Blue Sun tour was announced, sentiments were amplified. Chris knew we had to experience the new project live.
New Blue Sun Live!
During a recent business trip to Brooklyn, a special moment happened. I arrived to the tri-state area on Friday with intentions to return home Monday evening, but Chris sent me the tour schedule for ‘New Blue Sun’ through direct message informing me about the concert. On the evening of January 29th, dressed for ‘brick cold’ weather, I prayed to God and headed to Crown Hill Theater. While standing in a line that wrapped around the corner with other fans of André3000, I was pictured by ROMR and interviewed by a nice lady covering the historic music event. I didn’t realize until later that this was the FIRST show of the historic tour. (Screams inside). Once I arrived at the door, I explained my waitlist status and was politely advised to wait patiently on the side. The staff said that they would do their best to accommodate me, but I think they felt sorry for me. Who stands in ‘brick’ weather with no confirmed ticket? For André3000… me.
Gayima Kanu (@iamgayima) at New Blue Sun Live, Crown Hill Theatre
Ski suit: Eddie Bauer | Head Scarf: Gianni Versace | Gloves: Kurt Geiger London | Boots: Timbaland
A few moments later, Chris Rob arrived, and to my surprise, I was upgraded from a waitlisted fan to his plus one.
[looks at God]
New Blue Sun Live left many of us speechless. A live performance of genius instrumentation from André3000 and his band was nothing short of a mystical healing experience. Throughout the show, André3000 shared moments of his flutist journey which began as a new ‘LA resident’ indulging in breath-work exercises, walking through nature, and searching for peace amidst a chaotic world. His vulnerability throughout the performance resulted in the audience cheering him on, through intentional moments of quiet. At one point during the performance, my eyes closed, tears welled up and my breathing was so deep and intentional. As they gongs vibrated, I felt an intense rush surge through me.
We received a sound bath and a collective healing took place. I’m grateful.
You don’t have to believe the hype, but you should believe me. André is the moment.
You: Why?
Me:
André3000 and Gayima Kanu (@iamgayima) Location: Crown Hill Theatre, Brooklyn New York